Refillable dispensing systems and components

ABSTRACT

A closed-loop refillable dispensing system may include one or more reusable or refillable product packages configured to dock with an automated filling station. The automated filling station automatically mixes concentrated chemical product with a diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical product solution. The product package may include a fitment insert configured to mate with a docking connector at the automated filling station. When the product package is removed from the docking connector, the fitment insert provides a positive, leak-proof seal for the product package.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/932,761, filed on Nov. 4, 2015, entitled, “REFILLABLE DISPENSINGSYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS,” which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to fluid dispensing systems and componentsthereof.

BACKGROUND

Hand washing is important in many industries, including hospitality(hotels, restaurants, etc.) and healthcare (hospitals, nursing homes,etc.). To facilitate hand washing, fluid dispensers that dispense handcleansing products may be placed near sinks of a kitchen or washroom forthe washing of hands by employees or patrons of an establishment,employees, patients, or visitors to a healthcare facility, or otherpersons. Such fluid dispensers house a disposable or refillable productcontainer, such as a cartridge or flexible bag, containing a supply ofthe desired fluid product. The fluid may include, for example, foams,liquids, and/or gels. The dispensers are generally wall mounted andinclude a hinged cover which permits opening and closing of thedispenser housing so that the supply of fluid product may be refilled orreplaced. Some fluid dispensers are manually actuated by pushing orpulling a handle, bar, or button on the dispenser. Others dispenseautomatically by sensing presence of a user or the user's hands near thedispenser.

SUMMARY

In general, the disclosure relates to refillable dispensing systems andcomponents thereof.

In one example, the disclosure is directed to a refillable dispensingsystem comprising a filling station including a docking connector, thefilling station configured to dispense a chemical product solution froma chemical product concentrate, a product package configured to containa quantity of the chemical product concentrate, and a fitment insertfitted within a neck of the product package, the fitment insertconfigured to mate with the docking connector and form a sealedconnection therewith, the fitment insert further comprising a fitmentinsert body including a first bore defining a fluid passage from a firstside of the fitment insert body to a second side of the fitment insertbody, the fitment insert body further including an interior wall forminga circumferential ridge around the interior of the fluid passage, atubular barb member having a first end and a second end and configuredto fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body with thefirst end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage, the barbmember having a second bore extending from the first end to the secondend, a check ball seal disposed between the first end of the barb memberand the circumferential ridge, and a check ball that is biased to aclosed position with respect to the check ball seal within the fluidpassage, the check ball further disposed to slide within the second borebetween the closed position and an open position, the docking connectorfurther comprising a docking connector body, and a fill probe configuredto depress the check ball from the first side of the fitment insert bodyand move the check ball from the closed position to the open positionwhen the fitment insert is mated with the docking connector.

The fitment insert body may further include a vent bore defining aventing passage from the first side of the fitment insert body to thesecond side of the fitment insert body, a vent probe seal disposedaround an circumferential interior ridge within the venting passage, anda tubular vent probe configured to fit within the venting passage, thevent probe biased to a closed position with respect to the vent probeseal, the vent probe further disposed to slide within the ventingpassage between the closed position and an open position.

In another example, the disclosure is directed to a fitment insert thatforms a sealed port through which a product package may be filled with afluid chemical product, comprising a fitment insert body including afirst bore defining a fluid passage from a first side of the fitmentinsert body to a second side of the fitment insert body, the fitmentinsert body further including an interior wall forming a circumferentialridge around the interior of the fluid passage, a tubular barb memberhaving a first end and a second end and configured to fit within thefluid passage of the fitment insert body with the first end disposedtoward the first side of the fluid passage, the barb member having asecond bore extending from the first end to the second end, a sealdisposed between the first end of the barb member and thecircumferential ridge, and a check ball that is spring-biased to aclosed position with respect to the seal within the fluid passage, thecheck ball further disposed to slide within the second bore between theclosed position and an open position. The fitment insert body mayfurther include a circumferential rim disposed around the first side ofthe fitment insert body; and a plurality of circumferential fitment tabsdisposed around a sidewall of the fitment insert body, the fitment tabsand circumferential rim configured to receive a neck of the productpackage.

In another example, the disclosure is directed to a refillable productpackage comprising a fitment insert. The refillable product package mayfurther include a product bottle having a neck, wherein the fitmentinsert body is fitted within the neck of the product bottle.

In another example, the disclosure is directed to a refillable productpackage comprising a product package having a one or more sidewalls anda neck, and a fitment insert that forms a sealed port through which aproduct package may be filled with a fluid chemical product, the fitmentinsert comprising a fitment insert body configured to sealably fitwithin the neck of the product package, the fitment insert bodyincluding a first bore defining a fluid passage from a first side of thefitment insert body to a second side of the fitment insert body, thefitment insert body further including an interior wall forming acircumferential ridge around the interior of the fluid passage, atubular barb member having a first end and a second end and configuredto fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body with thefirst end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage, the barbmember having a second bore extending from the first end to the secondend, a seal disposed between the first end of the barb member and thecircumferential ridge, and a check ball that is spring-biased to aclosed position with respect to the seal within the fluid passage, thecheck ball further disposed to slide within the second bore between theclosed position and an open position.

The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example refillable dispensing system.

FIG. 1B shows the example filling station housing of FIG. 1A with a dooropen, and

FIG. 1C shows the example filling station housing of FIG. 1A with adifferent door open.

FIGS. 2A and 2B shows an example dispenser which may be used to dispensechemical product from a product package such as that shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert matedwith a docking connector, and showing the check ball in the openposition.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insertshowing the check ball in the closed position.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an example check ball sealing ring.

FIG. 3D is a magnified cross-sectional diagram of an example fitmentinsert showing the check ball in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fitment insert barb.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an example barb, spring, ball and ballseal of an example fitment insert.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing of an example barb, spring, ball, and ballseal as they would be assembled within an example fitment insert.

FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating an example fitmentinsert in a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum reliefposition, respectively.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are top perspective and bottom perspective views,respectively, of an example fitment insert body docked with an exampledocking connector.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an example fitment insert.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an example fitment insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the disclosure is directed to refillable dispensing systemsand components thereof. The system may include one or more reusable orrefillable product packages configured to dock with an automatedrefilling station. The automated filling station automatically mixesconcentrated chemical product with a diluent and dispenses the resultingchemical product solution. The product package may include a fitmentinsert configured to mate with a docking connector at the automatedrefilling station. When the product package is docked with the fillingstation, cooperation of the docking connector and the fitment insert mayallow air to exit the interior of the product package as the chemicalproduct is dispensed into the product package. When chemical product isdispensed from the product package, the fitment insert may further allowair to enter the interior of the product package to prevent collapse ofthe product package walls. Fitment insert and docking connection may befurther configured to eliminate residual product build-up afterdispensing of the diluted chemical product solution into productpackage, thus enabling the product package to achieve a dry break fromthe filling station. Once removed from the docking connection, theexample fitment insert provides a positive, closed seal for the productpackage that does not leak in any orientation under normal conditions.

FIG. 1A is a shows an example refillable dispensing system 100.Refillable dispensing system 100 includes a filling station 110 and atleast one product package 152. In the examples described herein, productpackage 152 may be reusable or refillable. Filling station 110automatically mixes concentrated chemical product with a diluent anddispenses the resulting chemical product solution to product package152. A concentrate container 118 (see FIG. 1B) located within fillingstation 110 stores the chemical product concentrate. Filling station 110is further connected to receive the diluent (such as water). A mixingpump within the filling station (not shown) automatically draws anappropriate amount of chemical product concentrate from concentratecontainer 118 and mixes it with an appropriate amount of diluent tocreate a chemical product solution having a target concentration. In thecase of hand soap concentrates, for example, the dilution ratio may be5:1 (5 parts diluent to 1 part concentrate) or 10:1. However, it shallbe understood that any dilution ratio may be used and that thedisclosure is not limited in this respect.

Example refillable dispensing system 100 may be used with any type ofconcentrated chemical product, including but not limited to handcleansers, liquid soaps, lotions, gels, foams, shampoos, hand creams,sanitizers, disinfectants, foams, detergents, bleaches, cleaning agents,laundry products, dish washing products, etc. In other examples, system100 may be used with any other type of chemical product.

Filling station 110 includes filling station housing 122, an actuator112, and doors 120A and 120B. FIG. 1B shows the example filling stationhousing 122 of FIG. 1A with door 120B open. A window 116 permits a userto view the amount of concentrate remaining in concentrate container118. A lock 114 permits a user to lock filling station housing 122 so asto ensure only authorized users have access to the interior of thefilling station housing and to permit tampering. Opening of door 120Bpermits access to the interior of the filling station housing 122 sothat concentrate container 118 may be replaced when it becomes empty orwhen dispensation of a different chemical product is desired. FIG. 1Cshows the example filling station housing of FIG. 1A with door 120Aopen. Opening of door 120A permits access to the interior of fillingstation housing 122 and access to an automated filling pump 115 anddocking connector 300. When the fitment insert of a product package ismated to docking connector 300, actuation of actuator 112 causesautomated filling pump 115 to automatically mix concentrated chemicalproduct stored in concentrate container 118 with a diluent and dispensesthe resulting chemical product solution into the product package throughthe fill port defined by the product package fitment insert.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, example product package 152 includes one ormore sidewalls 155 forming an enclosed product package configured tocontain a quantity of chemical product. Product package 152 furtherincludes an input port defined by a neck 156 through which productpackage may be filled with chemical product and an output port 158Athrough which chemical product may be dispensed from the productpackage. A fitment insert 200 fitted within the neck 156 of productpackage 152 is configured to form a sealed connection with a dockingconnector (see, e.g., FIG. 3) located within the filling station housing122. Fitment insert 200 forms a fill port through which product package152 may be refilled. Once removed from the docking connection, fitmentinsert 200 provides a positive seal for product package 152 that doesnot leak in any orientation under normal conditions. Fitment insert 200and docking connection may be further configured to eliminate residualproduct build-up after dispensing of the solution into product package152, thus enabling the product package 152 to achieve a dry break fromthe filling station after filling of the product package is completed.

Product package 152 may be further connected to a pump 154 to permit thechemical product to be dispensed from product package 152. In theexample of FIG. 1A, product package 152 and pump 154 are connected byvirtue of mating threads 158A and 158B on product package 152 and pump154, respectively. Product package 152 and pump 154 may in turn beloaded into a product dispenser, such as product dispenser 180 as shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B. Pump 154 may be configured to deliver any form ofchemical product, for example, liquids, foams, gels, alcohol foams, etc.In some examples, the combination of pump 154 and product package 152may provide up to 99% product evacuation of the product package 152 fora wide range of product viscosities and densities.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example dispenser 180 which may be used todispense chemical product from a product package, such as productpackage 152. As shown in FIG. 2A, dispenser 180 includes a dispensercover 182 and a push bar 184. FIG. 2B shows example dispenser 180 withthe cover 182 and push bar 184 removed. Push bar 184, when actuated by auser, causes a dispense mechanism 188 to engage with pump 154 to resultin dispensation of a discrete quantity of the chemical product asindicated by arrow 186. In other examples, a different type of manualactuator may be used in place of push bar 184. Alternatively, dispenser180 may include a sensor that detects presence of a user's hands nearthe dispenser and automatically triggers an actuator to dispense aquantity of fluid in response to the detection.

Hand care dispensers, such as example dispenser 180, are generallyplaced near sinks in kitchens, hospital rooms, restrooms, or otherlocations to facilitate hand washing by employees, members of thepublic, or other users. Depending upon the environment in which thedispenser is being used (e.g., a hospitality or restaurant location asopposed to a health care location), the type of fluid being dispensed,and/or the particular requirements of the organization or corporateentity, the desired amount of fluid product to be dispensed may differ.In some examples, pump 154 and/or dispenser 180 may be implemented asshown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,331 to Pelkey et al., issuedOct. 7, 2014, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,991,655 to Pelkey, issued Mar. 31,2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. However, it shall be understood that other pump and/ordispenser designs may also be used, and that the disclosure is notlimited in this respect.

The combination of refill station 110, product package 152, fitmentinsert 200, and pump 154 results in a “closed-loop” refillabledispensing system in the sense there is no user contact withconcentrated chemicals. The refilling station automatically provides thecorrect dilution ratio of the concentrated chemical product, and thesealed connection of the fitment insert and the docking connectorgreatly reduces, if not eliminates, worker exposure to harsh chemicals.Refillable dispensing system 100 may thus increase ease of use, workersafety, and accuracy in the preparation of diluted chemical solutions.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert 200mated with an example docking connector 300, and showing a check ball212 in the open position with respect to a check ball sealing ring 216.Docking connector 300 may form the receiving connector of a fillingstation, such as filling station 110 as shown in FIG. 1. Dockingconnector 300 includes a docking connector body 304, a fill probe 302,and a vent tab 306. Fitment insert 200 includes a fitment insert body204 including a first bore 209 defining a fluid passage from a firstside 201 of the fitment insert body to a second side 203 of the fitmentinsert body, the fitment insert body further including an interior wall205 forming a circumferential ridge 223 around the interior of the fluidpassage.

Fitment insert body also includes a barb member 220, check ball 212, aspring 214, and a vent probe 208. Fitment insert body 204 furtherincludes a plurality of fitment tabs 202 and a rim 203. Fitment insertbody 200 further includes a docking seal 206, a ball seal 216 a ventprobe seal 210 and a fitment rim seal 218. Barb member 220 is generallytubular in shape, includes a first end and a second end, and isconfigured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body204 with the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluidpassage, the barb member also includes a bore extending from the firstend to the second end.

When inserted into a product package, such as product package 152 ofFIG. 1, fitment insert body receives the neck 156 of product package 152between rim 203 and fitment tabs 202. Fitment tabs 202 flex inwardlyduring insertion of fitment insert body 204 into the neck 156 of productpackage 152 and then release back once the neck 156 of product package152 is fully received within the space defined by rim 203 and fitmenttabs 202. Force exerted by fitment tabs 202 presses neck 156 of productpackage 152 against fitment rim sealing ring 218 to provide a sealbetween the fitment insert body 204 and neck 156 of product package 152.

Fitment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 cooperate to provide aclosed-loop system in which chemical product may be delivered from, forexample, refill station 110, to a product package such as productpackage 152 without exposing a user to harsh chemical concentrates. Whenfully docked, fill probe 302 of docking connector body 304 depressescheck ball 212, allowing for product to flow into the product package asindicated by arrow 160. While the product package is docked, tabs 306 ofdocking connector body 304 depress vent probe 208 to allow entrapped airto leave the product package through a venting aperture 211. A dockingseal 206 prevents product from leaking out between fitment insert body204 and docking connector body 304. Fill probe 302 is configured todepress check ball 212 from the first side 201 of the fitment insertbody and move check ball 212 from the closed position with respect toseal 216 to the open position with respect to seal 216 when fitmentinsert 200 is mated with docking connector 300.

In some examples, once the package is removed from docking connector300, check ball 212 is biased to closed position with respect to thecheck ball seal 216. In the example of FIG. 3A, the biasing force isprovided by spring 214 pushes check ball against ball sealing ring 216(or simply check ball seal 216), forming a positive, leak-proof seal.However, it shall be understood that other mechanisms for biasing thecheck ball may also be used, and that the disclosure is not limited inthis respect. A user may carry, transport, or store the product packagein any orientation without product leaving the package. To dispense theproduct, the user need not to open the container as it is a closed-loopsystem. The contents of the product package are dispensed/evacuatedduring normal use within the respective dispenser unit.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert 200showing the check ball 212 in the closed position with respect to acheck ball sealing ring 216. Sealing ring 216 is seated in a groovedefined by a top edge of barb 220 and an inside edge ridge formed byfitment insert body 204. When fitment insert 200 is not mated to dockingconnector 300, a force provided by spring 214 pushes check ball 212upwardly and against sealing ring 216, creating a seal at the interfaceof the check ball 212 and sealing ring 216.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an example check ball sealing ring 216,and FIG. 3D is a magnified cross-sectional diagram of an example fitmentinsert 200 showing check ball 212 in the closed position with respect tothe check ball sealing ring 216. Example sealing ring 216 is generallyin the shape of a torus having a non-circular cross-section. Sealingring may be fabricated using, for example, an elastomeric material.Sealing ring 216 has a non-circular cross-section including a flattenedsealing surface 217, and fitment sealing surfaces 215A and 215B. Fitmentsealing surfaces 215A and 215B are shaped to fit the geometry of aninterior ridge 223 formed within longitudinal bore 209 of fitment insertbody 204. In this way, sealing surface 217 of sealing ring 216 presentedto check ball 212 in the closed position presents a relatively greatersurface area for the sealing interface as compared to a sealing ringhaving a circular cross-section.

Sealing ring 216 is seated in a groove defined by a top edge 221 of barb220 and a lower surface of interior ridge 223 formed within alongitudinal bore 209 through fitment insert body 204. The longitudinalaxis of the bore 209 of fitment insert body is generally aligned (e.g.,co-linear) with the longitudinal bore 226 of barb 220 (see, e.g., FIG.5B) when barb 220 is received within bore 209. When fitment insert 200is not mated to docking connector 300, the force provided by spring 214pushes check ball 212 upwardly and against sealing ring 216, creating aseal at the interface of the check ball 212 and the sealing ring 216.Again, due to the flattened sealing surface 217 of sealing ring 216, arelatively greater surface area is provided for the sealing interfacebetween sealing ring 216 and check ball 212 as compared to a sealingring having a circular cross-section.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fitment insert barb 220. Barb 220 issized to fit within fitment insert body 204. Barb 220 includes one ormore guide rails 222, a barb tip 224, a longitudinal bore 226 and aspring seat 228. FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an example barb 220,spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 of an example fitment insert300. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an example barb 220,spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 as they would be assembledwithin an example fitment insert 300. Guide rails 222 are sized to guidemovement of check ball 212 from a sealed position to an open position.An inner rim formed around the circumference of bore 226 forms a springseat 228 that supports spring 214 within bore 226.

FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a fitment insertin a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum relief position,respectively. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 6A, check ball 212is held against ball seal 216 by the spring force provided by spring 214(not shown in FIG. 6A for purposes of illustration). Once fitment insertbody 204 is fully docked with docking connector body 304, fill probe 302depresses check ball 212, causing it to move from the closed positionshown in FIG. 6A to the open position as shown in FIG. 6B. In the openposition, fluid is dispensed through the tip of fill probe 302, aroundcheck ball 212 and into the product package.

Once the product package is removed from the filling station, and thusthe fitment insert body 204 is removed from the docking connector body304, tension provided by spring 214 (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) pushescheck ball 212 against ball seal 216, forming a tightly closure andpreventing chemical product from leaving the product package through thefill port provided by the fitment insert 300. Product package may thenbe loaded into a chemical product dispenser, such as example dispenser180 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. When product is subsequently dispensedfrom the product package, such as by manual actuation of a push bar orautomatic actuation by a motion or presence sensor, a partial vacuumwithin the product package is created due to the seal provided by thecheck ball 212 and seal 216 of fitment insert body 302. In someexamples, however, the spring tension of spring 214 is designed tomaintain equilibrium of the product package pressure during productdispense. For example, the spring tension may be such that the partialvacuum resulting from dispensation of the chemical product from theproduct package draws ball 212 away from the ball seal 216 enough toallow air to enter and prevent collapse of the product package, as shownin FIG. 6C.

In some examples, the tip of fill probe 302 may include a protruding rib310 that depresses check ball 212 and separates check ball 212 fromapertures 312 in the fill probe 302 from which chemical product solutionis dispensed, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. The filling operation takes placebelow the sealing surface of the fitment insert (that is, belowfitment-to-product package seal 216 and docking seal 206) so thatresidual build-up of product is mitigated. This may help to achieve aclean separation from docking connector 300 and fitment insert 200.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are top perspective and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a fitment insert 200 mated with a docking connector300. As shown above with respect to FIG. 4, docking connector 300 mayform the receiving connector of a filling station, such as fillingstation 110 as shown in FIG. 1. Docking connector 300 includes dockingconnector body 304, fill probe 302, and vent tab 306. Fitment insert 200includes fitment insert body 204, barb 220, check ball 212, spring 214,and vent probe 208. Fitment insert body 204 further includes a pluralityof fitment tabs 202 and rim 203. Fitment insert body 200 furtherincludes docking seal 206, ball seal 216, vent probe seal 210 andfitment rim seal 218.

When inserted into a product package, such as product package 152 ofFIG. 1, fitment insert body receives the neck 156 of product package 152between rim 203 and fitment tabs 202. Fitment tabs 202 flex inwardlyduring insertion of fitment insert body 204 into neck 156 of productpackage 152 and release back once the neck 156 of product package 152 isfully received within the space defined by rim 203 and fitment tabs 202.Force exerted by fitment tabs 202 presses neck 156 of product package152 against fitment rim sealing ring 218 to provide a seal between thefitment insert body 204 and neck 156 of product package 152.

Fitment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 cooperate to provide aclosed-loop system in which chemical product may be delivered from, forexample, refill station 110, to a product package such as productpackage 152 without exposing a user to harsh chemical concentrates. Whenfully docked, fill probe 302 of docking connector body 304 depressescheck ball 212, allowing for product to flow into the product package asindicated by arrow 160. A longitudinal bore 226 extending through barb220 receives check ball 212. A spring 214 fits within bore 226 and issupported by spring seat 214. Check ball 212 moves within guide rails222 between a closed position (not docked) and an open (docked)position. Movement of the check ball 212 is resisted by spring 214.Spring 214 is supported by spring seat 228 formed at the base of guiderails 222 around an inner circumference of barb 220.

Guide rails 222 maintain proper alignment of check ball 212, helping toprevent misalignment of the check ball 212 with respect to the seal 216.The top edge of barb 220 maintains constant positioning of ball seal 216and helps prevent ball seal 216 from becoming dislodged.

Check ball 212 moves in a linear path along guide rails 222 depending onthe forces acting on it. Once seated, spring 214 creates a positive sealbetween check ball 212 and O-ring seal 216 until sufficient crackingpressure (provided by dispensation of the chemical product from theproduct package) breaks the seal.

While the product package is docked, tabs 306 of docking connector body304 depress vent probe tip 208A, causing vent probe 208 to movedownwardly (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) This movement of vent probe 208further results in vent probe shoulder 208B to move away from vent probeseal 210, thus allowing entrapped air to leave the product package whilethe product package is being filled. Docking seal 206 prevents thechemical product from leaking out between fitment insert body 204 anddocking connector body 304.

Once the product package (and thus the fitment insert body 204) isremoved from docking connector 300, force provided by spring 214 pushescheck ball against ball seal 216, forming a positive, leak-proof seal. Auser may carry, transport, or store the product package in anyorientation without leakage of the chemical product.

Although specific example mechanisms to achieve the filling and ventingfunctions, alternative methods may also be used, and the disclosure isnot limited in this respect. For example, these functions may beaccomplished using a combination valve, a duckbill valve, magneticvalves, a vented membrane, an EPDM ball, an umbrella valve, etc.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an example fitment insert 200. Visible in FIG. 9are fitment insert body 204, rim 203, fitment seal 218, vent probe tip208A, vent tab 306 (visible through aperture 211 in the top of fitmentinsert body 304), ball 212, and barb 220.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an example fitment insert 200. Visible inFIG. 10 are fitment insert body 204, locking tabs 202, vent probe base208C, ball 212 and barb 220.

Product package 152 may be of any appropriate size to fit a variety ofdispensing applications. For hand washing applications, for example,product package 152 may be offered in multiple sizes, such as 1250 ml(70 gram), 750 ml (40 gram), and/or any other appropriately sizedbottles. In some examples, product package 152 is comprised of alightweight 100% recyclable High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Forexample, the product package may be formed utilizing a high densitypolyethylene resin with a density greater than 0.953 g/cc (per ASTMD1505). In some applications, the product package may incorporate apercentage (e.g., 25%) of reclaimed post-consumer resin (PCR). Theproduct package design may be aimed at keeping a small footprint whilemaximizing fill volume. This may be accomplished by designing a lowprofile top finish and using the inner finish edge as a mechanism toaffix the insert permanently via lock tabs. The product package, fitmentinsert and docking connection may be designed with tight tolerances andquality finish to help ensure that the system remains leak proof.

In some examples, the geometry and features of the product package maybe designed to resist or prevent collapse during the evacuation ofproduct. For example, chamfered corners may help control product packagedeformation and promote a better drop-impact resistance. In someexamples, the cracking pressure of the check ball seal may be designedto break before the lightweight HDPE product package collapses.

In the example such as product package 152 as shown in FIG. 1A, thethreaded connectors 158A may be designed with a unique thread pitch tohelp ensure that the proper pump type having the matching thread pitchis mated with the product package.

Check ball sealing ring 216, as well as docking seal 206, fitment seal218, and vent probe seals, may comprise an elastomeric material, such asEPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber). In someexamples, the geometry of check ball sealing ring 216 is such that aflattened sealing surface is presented to the check ball 212, providinga relatively larger surface area for the sealing surface as compared toa sealing ring having a circular cross-section.

Check ball 212 may be either stainless steel (or other hard non-porousmaterial) or may be elastomeric.

Spring 214 may be either metal or plastic. For example, the spring maybe 300 series stainless steel or Hastelloy metal blends. The springlength may be optimized to provide the most leak-proof seal while stillallowing the partial vacuum to break the seal, thus allowing air toenter into the product package during dispensation of the chemicalproduct and preventing collapse of the product package. In someexamples, the spring free length measures approximately 18 mm. However,it shall be understood that the spring parameters may vary dependingupon the particular application, and that the disclosure is not limitedin this respect.

In some examples, factors that may be taken into account when choosing aspring and/or spring rate may include: the force required to depresscheck ball 212 should not be too high so as to facilitate ease ofdocking to a filling station and thus ease-of-filling; the spring shouldprovide sufficient force to the check ball to provide a positive,leak-proof seal when in the closed position; the partial vacuumresulting from dispensation of the chemical product from the productpackage should be sufficient to overcome o break the spring force anddraw the check ball away from the seal, thus allowing the fitment insertto equilibrate the product package. Allowing air back into the productpackage system may help to prevent the product package from collapsingwhen used with a non-vented product pump.

The example refillable dispensing system and the components describedherein may provide several advantages. For example, the refillabledispensing system may help to reduce costs associated with chemicalproduct dispensing. For example, concentrated formulations may provideenough product for multiple refills using concentrated packs. Users maypurchase a set of refillable product packages, and refill and reuse thesame set for a longer period of time as compared to 1-time usecontainers. Concentrated formula may help to reduce storage space, whichis a commodity in the janitorial rooms, closets, or carts. Concentratedformula may also help to reduce shipping costs, shipping frequency,packaging costs, and waste pick-up. For example, if a product packagemay be refilled and reused approximately 10 times, use of a refillableproduct package may reduce waste by up to 90% compared to 1-time usecontainers. Flexible product packages may be lighter than rigid handcare bottles. In some examples, the product package may comprise 100%recyclable material, and may last up to 1-year with heavy usage. Inaddition, users may “top off” a product package whenever it isconvenient. This enables users to prepare for busy periods when theydon't have the luxury of time to change out product packages. In someexamples, cooperation of the pump design and the bottle may result inover 99% evacuation from the product package. This may result inproviding more product to the users and less product to landfills.

Example 1

A refillable dispensing system comprising a filling station including adocking connector, the filling station configured to dispense a chemicalproduct solution from a chemical product concentrate, a product packageconfigured to contain a quantity of the chemical product concentrate,and a fitment insert fitted within a neck of the product package, thefitment insert configured to mate with the docking connector and form asealed connection therewith, the fitment insert further comprising afitment insert body including a first bore defining a fluid passage froma first side of the fitment insert body to a second side of the fitmentinsert body, the fitment insert body further including an interior wallforming a circumferential ridge around the interior of the fluidpassage, a tubular barb member having a first end and a second end andconfigured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert bodywith the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage,the barb member having a second bore extending from the first end to thesecond end, a check ball seal disposed between the first end of the barbmember and the circumferential ridge, and a check ball that is biased toa closed position with respect to the check ball seal within the fluidpassage, the check ball further disposed to slide within the second borebetween the closed position and an open position, the docking connectorfurther comprising a docking connector body, and a fill probe configuredto depress the check ball from the first side of the fitment insert bodyand move the check ball from the closed position to the open positionwhen the fitment insert is mated with the docking connector.

Example 2

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein the productpackage further includes an output port, and the dispensing systemfurther comprises a pump mated to the output port of the productpackage.

Example 3

The refillable dispensing system of Example 2 further comprising adispenser configured to receive the product package and the pump, thedispenser further including a dispenser actuator that causes a discretequantity of chemical product to be dispensed from the product package.

Example 4

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1, wherein the fillingstation further includes a switch and wherein the filling stationdispenses the chemical product solution through the fluid passage andinto the product package when the fitment insert is mated with thedocking connector and upon actuation of the switch.

Example 5

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1, wherein the fitmentinsert body further comprises a vent bore defining a venting passagefrom the first side of the fitment insert body to the second side of thefitment insert body, a vent probe seal disposed around ancircumferential interior ridge within the venting passage, and a tubularvent probe configured to fit within the venting passage, the vent probebiased to a closed position with respect to the vent probe seal, thevent probe further disposed to slide within the venting passage betweenthe closed position and an open position.

Example 6

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1, wherein the vent probefurther includes a shoulder, and wherein the vent probe shoulder forms aseal with the vent probe seal when the vent probe is in the closedposition, and wherein air may leave the product package when the ventprobe is in the open position.

Example 7

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1, wherein vent probefurther includes a vent probe tip accessible through the vent bore fromthe first side of the fitment insert body.

Example 8

The refillable dispensing system of Example 7 wherein the dockingconnector further includes a vent tab configured to depress the ventprobe tip and move the vent probe from the closed position to the openposition when the fitment insert is mated with the docking connector.

Example 9

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1, wherein the barb memberfurther includes longitudinally extending guide rails, and wherein thecheck ball is further disposed to slide within the guide rails betweenthe closed position and the open position.

Example 10

The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein the productpackage comprises a high density polyethylene resin having a densitygreater than 0.953 g/cc.

Example 11

A fitment insert that forms a sealed port through which a productpackage may be filled with a fluid chemical product, comprising afitment insert body including a first bore defining a fluid passage froma first side of the fitment insert body to a second side of the fitmentinsert body, the fitment insert body further including an interior wallforming a circumferential ridge around the interior of the fluidpassage, a tubular barb member having a first end and a second end andconfigured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert bodywith the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage,the barb member having a second bore extending from the first end to thesecond end, a seal disposed between the first end of the barb member andthe circumferential ridge, and a check ball that is spring-biased to aclosed position with respect to the seal within the fluid passage, thecheck ball further disposed to slide within the second bore between theclosed position and an open position.

Example 12

The fitment insert of Example 11, the fitment insert body furthercomprising a vent bore defining a venting passage from the first side ofthe fitment insert body to the second side of the fitment insert body, avent probe seal disposed around an circumferential interior ridge withinthe venting passage, and a tubular vent probe configured to fit withinthe venting passage, the vent probe biased to a closed position withrespect to the vent probe seal, the vent probe further disposed to slidewithin the venting passage between the closed position and an openposition.

Example 13

The fitment insert of Example 12, wherein the vent probe furtherincludes a shoulder, and wherein the vent probe shoulder forms a sealwith the vent probe seal when the vent probe is in the closed position,and wherein air may leave the product package when the vent probe is inthe open position.

Example 14

The fitment insert of Example 12, wherein vent probe further includes avent probe tip accessible through the vent bore from the first side ofthe fitment insert body.

Example 15

The fitment insert of Example 11, wherein the barb member furtherincludes longitudinally extending guide rails, and wherein the checkball is further disposed to slide within the guide rails between theclosed position and the open position.

Example 16

The fitment insert of Example 11, the fitment insert body furthercomprising a circumferential rim disposed around the first side of thefitment insert body; and a plurality of circumferential fitment tabsdisposed around a sidewall of the fitment insert body, the fitment tabsand circumferential rim configured to receive a neck of the productpackage.

Example 17

The fitment insert of Example 11 wherein the check ball comprisesstainless steel.

Example 18

The fitment insert of Example 11 wherein the product package comprises ahigh density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953g/cc.

Example 19

A refillable product package comprising the fitment insert of Example11.

Example 20

The refillable product package of Example 19, further comprising aproduct bottle having a neck, wherein the fitment insert body is fittedwithin the neck of the product bottle.

Example 21

A refillable product package comprising a product package having a oneor more sidewalls and a neck, and a fitment insert that forms a sealedport through which a product package may be filled with a fluid chemicalproduct, the fitment insert comprising a fitment insert body configuredto sealably fit within the neck of the product package, the fitmentinsert body including a first bore defining a fluid passage from a firstside of the fitment insert body to a second side of the fitment insertbody, the fitment insert body further including an interior wall forminga circumferential ridge around the interior of the fluid passage, atubular barb member having a first end and a second end and configuredto fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body with thefirst end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage, the barbmember having a second bore extending from the first end to the secondend, a seal disposed between the first end of the barb member and thecircumferential ridge, and a check ball that is spring-biased to aclosed position with respect to the seal within the fluid passage, thecheck ball further disposed to slide within the second bore between theclosed position and an open position.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fitment insert that forms a sealed portthrough which a product package may be filled with a fluid chemicalproduct, comprising: a fitment insert body including a first boredefining a fluid passage from a first side of the fitment insert body toa second side of the fitment insert body, the fitment insert bodyfurther including an interior wall forming a circumferential ridgearound the interior of the fluid passage; a tubular barb member having afirst end and a second end and configured to fit within the fluidpassage of the fitment insert body with the first end disposed towardthe first side of the fluid passage, the barb member having a secondbore extending from the first end to the second end; a seal disposedbetween the first end of the barb member and the circumferential ridge;and a check ball biased to a closed position with respect to the seal,the check ball further disposed to slide within the second bore betweenthe closed position and an open position, wherein the fitment insertbody further comprises: a vent bore defining a venting passage from thefirst side of the fitment insert body to the second side of the fitmentinsert body; a tubular vent probe configured to fit within the ventingpassage and biased to a closed position, the vent probe further disposedto slide within the venting passage between the closed position and anopen position to allow air to leave the product package through the ventbore when the vent probe is in the open position.
 2. The fitment insertof claim 1, wherein the fitment insert body further comprises: a ventprobe seal disposed around a circumferential interior ridge within theventing passage; and wherein the vent probe is biased to a closedposition with respect to the vent probe seal.
 3. The fitment insert ofclaim 2, wherein the vent probe further includes a shoulder, and whereinthe vent probe shoulder forms a seal with the vent probe seal when thevent probe is in the closed position, and wherein air may leave theproduct package when the vent probe is in the open position.
 4. Thefitment insert of claim 2, wherein vent probe further includes a ventprobe tip accessible through the vent bore from the first side of thefitment insert body.
 5. The fitment insert of claim 1, wherein thetubular barb member further includes longitudinally extending guiderails, and wherein the check ball is further disposed to slide withinthe guide rails between the closed position and the open position. 6.The fitment insert of claim 1, the fitment insert body furthercomprising: a circumferential rim disposed around the first side of thefitment insert body, the circumferential rim configured to receive aneck of the product package.
 7. The fitment insert of claim 1, whereinthe check ball comprises stainless steel.
 8. A refillable productpackage comprising the fitment insert of claim
 1. 9. The refillableproduct package of claim 8, further comprising a product bottle having aneck, wherein the fitment insert body is fitted within the neck of theproduct bottle.
 10. A refillable product package comprising: a productpackage having one or more sidewalls and a neck; and a fitment insertthat forms a sealed port through which the product package may be filledwith a fluid chemical product, the fitment insert comprising: a fitmentinsert body configured to sealably fit within the neck of the productpackage, the fitment insert body including a first bore defining a fluidpassage from a first side of the fitment insert body to a second side ofthe fitment insert body, the fitment insert body further including aninterior wall forming a circumferential ridge around the interior of thefluid passage; a tubular barb member having a first end and a second endand configured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insertbody with the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluidpassage, the barb member having a second bore extending from the firstend to the second end; a seal disposed between the first end of the barbmember and the circumferential ridge; and a check ball biased to aclosed position with respect to the seal, the check ball furtherdisposed to slide within the second bore between the closed position andan open position, wherein the fitment insert body further comprises: avent bore defining a venting passage from the first side of the fitmentinsert body to the second side of the fitment insert body; and a tubularvent probe configured to fit within the venting passage and biased to aclosed position, the vent probe further disposed to slide within theventing passage between the closed position and an open position toallow air to leave the product package through the vent bore when thevent probe is in the open position.
 11. The refillable product packageof claim 10, the fitment insert body further comprising: acircumferential rim disposed around the first side of the fitment insertbody, the circumferential rim configured to receive the neck of theproduct package.
 12. The refillable product package of claim 10, whereinthe product package comprises a high density polyethylene resin having adensity greater than 0.953 g/cc.
 13. The refillable product package ofclaim 10, wherein the fitment insert is configured to mate with adocking connector of a filling station that dispenses a chemicalproduct, the docking connector further comprising: a docking connectorbody having circumferential tabs configured to depress the vent probe ofthe fitment insert and allow air to leave the product package when thefitment insert is mated with the docking connector; and a fill probeconfigured to depress the check ball from the first side of the fitmentinsert body and move the check ball from the closed position to the openposition when the fitment insert is mated with the docking connector.14. The refillable product package of claim 10, further comprising anoutput port configured to mate with a dispenser pump, such that adiscrete quantity of the chemical product is dispensed from the outputport of the refillable product package when the dispenser pump isactuated.
 15. The refillable product package of claim 13, wherein thefilling station mixes a chemical product concentrate with a diluent toform a chemical product solution, and wherein the filling stationdispenses the chemical product solution.
 16. The refillable productpackage of claim 13 wherein the filling station further includes aswitch and wherein the filling station further dispenses the chemicalproduct through the fluid passage and into the refillable productpackage when the fitment insert is mated with the docking connector andupon actuation of the switch.
 17. The refillable product package ofclaim 10, wherein the fitment insert body further comprises: a ventprobe seal disposed around a circumferential interior ridge within theventing passage; and wherein the vent probe is biased to a closedposition with respect to the vent probe seal.
 18. The refillable productpackage of claim 17, wherein the vent probe further includes a shoulder,and wherein the vent probe shoulder forms a seal with the vent probeseal when the vent probe is in the closed position, and wherein air mayleave the product package when the vent probe is in the open position.19. The refillable product package of claim 17, wherein vent probefurther includes a vent probe tip accessible through the vent bore fromthe first side of the fitment insert body.
 20. The refillable productpackage of claim 10, wherein the tubular barb member further includeslongitudinally extending guide rails, and wherein the check ball isfurther disposed to slide within the guide rails between the closedposition and the open position.